Most people learnt from a drink-drive conviction the first time around.

But for those who didn't, family and friends played an important role in stopping them from getting behind the wheel, he said.

Repeat drink-drivers often had alcohol dependency issues and other problems that required help from a range of agencies.

Southland police continued to keep the pressure on drink-drivers throughout the region, with the likes of drink-driving campaigns, targeted operations at holiday weekends, mobile and compulsory breath testing, liquor infringement notices and liquor ban enforcement, McPhail said.

A panel set up in Eastern Southland to give repeat drink-drivers a reality check is waiting on its first referral.

The panel is made up of police, St John, firefighters, a victim of drink-driving, a restorative justice facilitator and a former offender who has learnt from their mistakes.

The panel will ensure the repeat drink-driver hears what impact his or her actions have had on others in the commu- nity.

The first offender will meet the panel when a judge in the Gore District Court refers them.

The initiative is a pilot for Southland and, if successful, may be rolled out in other centres.

Corrections Gore service manager Rachel Henry said the scheme, known as restorative justice, provided an opportunity to hold the offender accountable for their offending and, as far as possible, repair the harm caused to the victim and community.